Karl-Anthony Town's nationality sparks buzz amid team World inclusion in All-Star 2026; ‘Is he Dominican?’

Karl-Anthony Towns sparked confusion at the NBA All-Star by playing for Team World despite growing up in New Jersey, as he represents the Dominican Republic.

Updated on: Feb 16, 2026 5:34 AM IST

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Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks star, featured for Team World at the game against Team USA Stars at the NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday in Los Angeles. Towns, who is known to be from Edison, New Jersey, caused a lot of confusion as many wondered why he is not in team USA Stars.

World center Karl-Anthony Towns smiles during the NBA All-Star basketball game against the USA Stars Sunday, Feb. 15. (AP)

Karl-Anthony Towns was representing the Dominican Republic at the NBA All-Star weekend. Despite growing up in New Jersey, Karl-Anthony Towns has Dominican heritage as his mother, Jacqueline Cruz, is from the Dominican Republic. Towns identifies as a Dominican American. He has represented Dominican Republic internationally since age 15.

“Karl Anthony Towns was born in New Jersey what’s he doing on team world?” one user wrote.

“No hate but he’s born and raised in NJ. If we went by that logic wouldn’t everyone be team world? Couldn’t LeBron be team world because of African roots?” said another.

“I’m so glad karl anthony towns don’t rep the US, dawg we cannot afford to watch that bullshit come Olympic time 😂,” joked one.

“I'm sorry but isnt karl anthony towns from new jersey?” wrote another.

“Karl Anthony Towns on team world is a double agent 😂😂😂 What he doing on team world,” said one.

Though Karl-Anthony Town's appearance on team World sparked a lot of buzz, he had a forgettable game as World lost to team USA Stars 37-35. Towns played eight minutes and scored 10 points. He hit two 3-pointers and three field goals.

French star Victor Wembanyama led the numbers for Team World with 12 points from two 3-pointers and four field goals.

Also read: Kevin Durant allegedly trash talked teammates in group chats using burner account; ‘can’t trust Jabari…’

Karl-Anthony Towns' Dominican Roots: What To Know

Karl-Anthony Towns' mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, was born in the Dominican Republic. However, publicly available sources don't specify the exact date or year she immigrated to the United States. Towns was born in 1995 in Edison, New Jersey, to Jacqueline and Karl Towns Sr., who is of African American roots.

Jacqueline passed away in 2020 from COVID-19 complications. Towns has honored by representing the Dominican Republic internationally in basketball since age 15.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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